55 cases out of 81 people attending exercise classes at a gym, despite 6-ft distancing and some mask use. Ventilation was not assessed.

 <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">55 cases out of 81 people attending exercise classes at a gym, despite 6-ft distancing and some mask use. Ventilation was not assessed. <a href="https://t.co/cc3QrlFeCb">https://t.co/cc3QrlFeCb</a></p>&mdash; Linsey Marr (@linseymarr) <a href="https://twitter.com/linseymarr/status/1364661446995542016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

COVID-19 Outbreak Among Attendees of an Exercise Facility — Chicago, Illinois, August–September 2020

Summary

What is already known about this topic?

Increased respiratory exertion facilitates SARS-CoV-2 transmission; outbreaks linked to indoor activities have been reported.

What is added by this report?

In August 2020, 55 COVID-19 cases were identified among 81 attendees of indoor high-intensity classes at a Chicago exercise facility. Twenty-two (40%) persons with COVID-19 attended on or after the day symptoms began. Most attendees (76%) wore masks infrequently, including persons with (84%) and without COVID-19 (60%).

What are the implications for public health practice?

To reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission in fitness facilities, attendees should wear a mask, including during high-intensity activities when ≥6 ft apart. In addition, facilities should enforce physical distancing, improve ventilation, and encourage attendees to isolate after symptom onset or receiving a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result and to quarantine after a potential exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and while awaiting test results. Exercising outdoors or virtually could further reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk.

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7009e2.htm?s_cid=mm7009e2_e